DECA Associate Teacher
About The Position
The DECA Associate Teacher (DAT) is a full-time, yearlong teaching residency designed for aspiring educators who are eager to learn, grow, and make an impact in the classroom. DATs work alongside an experienced mentor teacher, gradually assuming increased responsibility for instruction, classroom management, and student engagement while receiving regular feedback and coaching. Through hands-on teaching experience, professional development, and participation in DECA’s school culture, DATs build the skills and confidence needed to transition into lead teaching roles. This position is ideal for mission-driven individuals who believe that education changes lives and who are committed to developing into exceptional educators within DECA’s supportive, growth-oriented environment.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree (any major); education degree not required.
- Strong commitment to DECA’s mission and belief that education changes lives.
- Demonstrated interest in teaching, youth development, or service-oriented leadership.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to receive, reflect on, and apply feedback to continuously improve practice.
- Strong organizational skills and reliability in managing responsibilities.
- Growth mindset and willingness to embrace a highly developmental, feedback-driven environment.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a diverse, mission-driven team.
Nice To Haves
- Prior experience working with youth in school, camp, or community settings.
- Familiarity with DECA’s core values, culture, and student-centered approach.
- Interest in pursuing teacher licensure or long-term career in education.
- Demonstrated leadership, perseverance, and professionalism.
Responsibilities
- Serve as positive role model for students
- Demonstrate a positive, supportive, enthusiastic, and encouraging attitude with all students
- Implement, by instruction and action, DECA’s mission and core values
- Work under the direct supervision of a mentor teacher to support classroom instruction, culture, and student learning
- Gradually assume increased instructional responsibilities throughout the year, moving from observation to co-teaching to independent teaching
- Deliver small-group instruction and support differentiated learning for students
- Maintain high expectations for student behavior, engagement, and academic achievement in alignment with DECA’s mission and culture
- Participate in daily feedback conversations and weekly coaching sessions with mentor teachers and instructional leaders
- Attend and actively engage in all DAT professional development sessions, school meetings, and training opportunities
- Plan, prepare, and deliver lessons aligned with curriculum standards and mentor guidance
- Communicate regularly and professionally with students, families, and staff, modeling DECA’s “above the line” expectations
- Collaborate with mentors and peers to reflect on practice, set goals, and demonstrate growth using the DAT evaluation rubric
- Support school-wide events, assemblies, and community initiatives that strengthen DECA’s culture and mission
- Coverage in classrooms approximately 70% of the time
- Uphold DECA’s belief that education changes lives by contributing to a joyful, rigorous, and inclusive learning environment
- Perform other duties as assigned by the principal
- Strive to continually improve professional competence.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
